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March 12, 2003

My Oscar Pics

Simply because I haven't blogged in a couple days, and simply because, for some dang reason, it matters to me, here are my Oscar pics. One quick note, with the exception of The Hours, I've seen every film nominated (in the "big" categories) or with a related nomination (by actor or screenplay, for example). And I promise, I will go see The Hours this week.

Best Picture
The Pianist
I loved this movie, I love Polanski. I love intelligent film-making that doesn't insult the viewer with overwhelming special affects and sweeping musical scores. This movie lets you slowly sink into the character and his situation; next thing you know you've burned through 2 hours of powerful filmmaking.

I think Chicago is a bit of a fluke, and overrated.
Gangs of New Yorkis a quality film, but felt choppy. I dont' want to give Scorcesi best picture out of nostalgic sentiment.
The Hours I can't comment on, haven't seen it.
Two Towers is a fun film but not something deserving of best picture.

Best Director
Martin Scorsese

This contest came down to two director's for me, who happen to be two legendary directors with incredible track records. Why would I pick Scorsese over Polanski when I felt The Pianist was a better film than Gangs? Quite frankly because I believe Scorsese had the more difficult project. The scope of Gangs, from custumes to setting, was an enormous endeavor. This is not to say that The Pianist did not involve great feats of stage and sound, I just felt that Gangs was more difficult, and that Scorsese deserved it for that reason.

Best Actor
Adrien Brody (The Pianist)

This was a close call between Day-Lewis and Brody, but I felt Brody delievered the more powerful, nuanced performance. I feel that Brody had the more difficult job (this is of course, not to say that Day-Lewis had a walk in the park). I personally enjoy the the quieter acting job, where flamboyance has no chance to make up for poor acting skills (which Day-Lewis has none). I guess it just comes down to taste, and I found myself far more moved by Brody than Day-Lewis.

Best Actress
Nicole Kidman (The Hours)

You know where I stand on Chicago. Unfaithful was an attempt at an intelligent Adultery flick, and failed in my opinion; if you want to see a good fidelity oriented film, see last years Lantana. Talk to Her was decent, but not monumental in any sense. And Friday, well, other than a unibrow, I'm not sure what was so incredible by Hayek's performance. So, this leaves, by process of elimination, an actress of a film I haven't seen. But my film guru friends assure me that this is a worthy recipient of the Best Actress Oscar.

Best Supporting Actor
Chris Cooper (Adaptation)

This was an incredible performance. They could have done an entire film on this character. I consider Adaptation the most intelligent film of the year, and it wouldn't be half the film it was without an incredible performance by Chris Cooper. I haven't been moved by a redneck since Billy Bob Thorton in Slingblade.

Best Supporting Actress
Queen Latifah (Chicago)

Yes, I hated the movie. The only redeeming part I felt was Queen Latifah's performance as Momma something-or-other. She had real emotion, real angst, real ruthlessness, something that the other characters lacked, despite how often people would call it a "film for adults." Zellwigger and co. came across as spoiled junior high-students, while Queen Latifah pulled off an intelligent, yet morally compromised, criminal. Oh, and she sang well.

Best Orginal Screenplay
Gangs of New York

How its original, when most of the content is based on the book, Gangs of New York, I'll never know.

Best Adapted Screenplay
Adaptation

How can you not give an Oscar to the most intelligent film of the year, which was co-written by an imagninary brother? See the movie, its like eating a 5 star 5 course meal.